Roman Holiday

Starring: Gregory Peck, Audrey Hepburn, Eddie Albert
Directed by: William Wyler
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Romance, Comedy
1953

Times Seen:
Tim: 3

Summary: A young European princess (Audrey Hepburn) decides to escape her hectic schedule and slips out into the city of Rome. She soon meets up with a newspaper reporter (Gregory Peck) who pretends to not know who she is. He proposes he take her on a whirlwind sightseeing tour, doing anything she feels like doing. However, his ulterior motivates of a amazing story may threaten to ruin their growing friendship.

Review:

Tim: This is one of the most outstanding romantic comedies of all time. So many rom-coms made today are lightweight fluff. This is an intelligent, brilliantly crafted tale. The film simply oozes with charm.

Audrey Hepburn is fantastic in her first starring role, which also won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. She looks beautiful and carries herself very well. She embodies all the characteristics a princess should. Whenever I think of a modern day princess, I close my eyes and see Hepburn in this role. She was simply perfect for the part.

Gregory Peck gives a fine performance as well. He makes a great leading man and he interacts well with Hepburn. Peck allows us to identify with him, as he is believable in every frame as a man caught up in a fairy tale. He might not have the widest range of acting abilities and perhaps slightly miscast, but this role is straightforward and he seizes all of it.

Peck and Hepburn have an incredible day in Rome. The story is quite emotional when you realize the princess has to follow such a strict schedule every day of her life and this is her one day to do everything she felt like doing and all of the things she dreamed of doing. This is a beautiful story and Roman Holiday tells it compassionately and superbly. In the genre of romances, this one ranks near the top.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
The Best Years of Our Lives, My Fair Lady, Breakfast at Tiffany's, Always, Sabrina